Cycling Tour In Southern Laos

Cycling Trip in Southern Laos

This cycling trip in southern Laos includes the World Heritage site of Wat Phou, the Xe Pian Protected Area, the natural wetlands of Si Phan Don, and a ride up the Bolaven Plateau. Along the way, you will stop at tea and coffee plantations, waterfalls, and enjoy the cool climate of the plateau.

Day 1: Arrival in Pakse – Hotel

Upon arrival at Pakse Airport, you will be met by your tour guide and transferred to your hotel. After checking in, you will have some free time.

At 4:00 pm, there will be a bike fitting session followed by a short practice ride around town (approximately 6 km), before your dinner and tour briefing.

Accommodation: Athena Hotel (Standard Room)

Day 2: Pakse – Champasak – Wat Phou

After arriving at Pakse Airport or the Thai–Laos border, we will take a short transfer to the starting point. Begin cycling out of town on a flat tarmac road, passing through the former colonial town of Champasak, which stretches along the Mekong River.

Upon arrival in Champasak, we will break for lunch at a local restaurant overlooking the Mekong River. After lunch, continue cycling 12 km to Wat Phou.

This UNESCO World Heritage site was built in the 6th century by the Khmers and was originally used to worship the Hindu god Shiva before being converted into a Buddhist temple in later centuries. Wat Phou was once considered the center of the Khmer kingdom until it shifted to Angkor in the 12th century.

Return to Champasak for an overnight stay.
Ride: 54 km

Accommodation: The River Resort (Riverfront Room)

Day 3: Champasak – Don Daeng – Ban Kiat Ngong – Don Khong

Start the day with a short ride to catch a ferry to Don Daeng Island, followed by a short cycling tour around the island.

Then take another ferry to the opposite side of the river and ride to Ban Kiat Ngong village. Upon arrival, you can choose to ride or walk up to Phu Asa, a unique site featuring ancient stone towers.

After lunch, ride back to the main junction before transferring by vehicle to Ban Hat. From here, cross the Mekong River to Don Khong, one of the largest islands in the river.

Arrive in the late afternoon, with time to walk along the river and observe local life.

Transfer: 90 km | Ride: 45 km
Accommodation: Pon Arena Hotel (Deluxe Room)

Day 4: Don Khong – Don Som – Don Det – Don Khone

Today is an island-hopping adventure. Begin with an early ride around Don Khong and along the riverbanks to the ferry, stopping along the way to observe locals making palm sugar.

Take a short ferry ride (200 m) to Don Som, one of the longest islands in the Mekong, stretching about 12 km to the tip of Don Det.

Another short ferry takes you to Don Det, where you will cycle along a dirt path to the old French railway bridge and cross over to Don Khone.

From here, board a boat for a leisurely cruise in search of the rare Irrawaddy dolphins. Continue cycling 4 km to your riverside hotel.

This varied ride across four islands involves narrow dirt tracks, so there will be no vehicle support; however, water and snack breaks will be provided.
Ride: 45 km

Accommodation: Seng Ahloune Resort (Deluxe River View)

Day 5: Don Khone – Bolaven Plateau – Thateng

After breakfast, ride a short distance to the ferry to cross the Mekong River. Continue with a 12 km ride to Khone Phapheng Waterfalls, a powerful natural feature often referred to as the “Niagara of Asia.”

After exploring the falls, transfer for approximately 2 hours to the Bolaven Plateau, known for its coffee plantations.

Stop for lunch at Tad Fane Waterfall, then continue cycling towards your coffee resort. The route includes a gentle 10 km uphill ride to Paksong, followed by a more even road leading down to the resort.

Transfer: 168 km | Ride: 40 km
Accommodation: Sinouk Coffee Resort (Superior Room)

Day 6: Thateng – Tad Lo

Cycle towards Tha Teng along a quiet road, passing villages and friendly locals. After lunch, continue along a peaceful route, keeping an eye out for wildlife and village life.

Stop at a Katou ethnic village to learn about traditional coffee roasting and local customs.

From there, enjoy an easy downhill ride, followed by a short 5 km stretch to Tad Lo Waterfall and your riverside accommodation.

The afternoon is free to relax or swim in the waterfalls. In the evening, enjoy an alfresco dining experience overlooking the falls.
Ride: 35 km

Accommodation: Tad Lo Lodge (Standard Room)

Day 7: Tad Lo – Tad Pha Suam – Pakse

As you leave the Bolaven Plateau, ride along an undulating road with a few gradual climbs (including sections of 5 km and 14 km).

Cycle 52 km to Tad Pha Suam, where you can explore traditional Laotian homes and another scenic waterfall.

Afterward, transfer for about an hour to Pakse. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at the rooftop restaurant of Pakse Hotel.
Ride: 55 km

Accommodation: Athena Hotel (Standard Room)

Day 8: Pakse – Departure

After breakfast, enjoy free time at your leisure until your transfer to Pakse Airport for your return flight home.

Price Includes:

Accommodation on a twin/double-sharing basis

Transport via air-conditioned vehicle

Entrance fees

Boat trips/boat tickets

Flight from Luang Prabang to Pakse

English-speaking guide

Mountain bike rental

Meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Snacks and water during cycling

Price Excludes:

Drinks/alcohol

Visa fees/border fees

All flights (except the specified domestic flight)

Personal expenses

Travel insurance